[clyder]

Hello,
I have a 2007 Chrysler Town and Country with a whining noise. When I first got it about 2 years ago it had a whine and I replaced the power steering fluid and it was dramatically reduced. It has gotten back up to where it is VERY noticeable sometimes, and other times it does not demand your attention. This time it is not the power steering as it does not change with turning the wheel. Everything seems to be working fine. Maybe shifting the trans into gear is a bit slow. Don't know if that is normal for this car. Shifting seems fine while driving.
Thanks for any ideas and thoughts.
Clyde

 

[Caraman99]

I would say idler or tensioner pulley, maybe.

 

[user97]

See which side of the engine the noise originates from. If the noise originates from the tranny side it could be indicative of plugged transmission filter.

 

[slantback66]

There has been a condition in which the power steering pump cavitates due to a blockage of the screen built into the reservoir. It makes a continuous noise and isn't always related to steering. Btw, a 2 ft piece of tubing, held to your ear, pointing the other end at various places can help you come closer to pinpointing the source of an underhood sound.

 

[slantback66]

I use a piece of half inch plastic conduit, just be careful not to contact moving parts

 

[katoranger]

My alternator caused a whine. I thought power steering too. Finally the alternator failed. New alternator and the whine was gone.

 

[waynefoutz]

If it's the same noise that went away with the power steering fluid change, then the reservior gets my vote. Mine did much the same thing, constant whine. The screen gets clogged, thus starving the pump of fluid. You can take it off clean it out, or just spend $25 for a new one. Thirty minute job.

 

[clyder]

Thanks

Thanks for all the responses.
I will do some serious "listening". I bought a stethoscope to help. I really want to know where the noise is coming from.
Also the power steering reservoir screen sounds like a possibility because when I changed the fluid the noise was reduced dramatically and then gradually came back.
The reason I discounted the power steering was the whine doesn't change when you turn the wheel. I don't remember if it changed before I originally changed the fluid.
Thanks again,
Clyde

 

[scotter5]

alot of good suggestions. i have 06 caravan. never had any whining but appears it is reservoir screen again. every time i changed oil, 3,000 miles, i suck out the fluid with turkey baster and put new fluid in.
possible held for mainteance in future.

 

[Mr. Fixit]

Why don't you use a 3-4 ft 3/4 in heater hose. or buy a mechanics stethoscope?


http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro....H0.TRS0&_nkw=mechanics+stethoscope?&_sacat=0

 

[TurboRev]

The posts suggesting it may be the alternator or a pulley sound plausible. But I would think it's more of a "chirping" sound instead of a "whine"???

 

[Caraman99]

Just figure out where the noise is from or go see a mechanic.

You've had enough feedback to put you in the right direction. It's not that complicated!

 

[clyder]

Update

Replaced the reservoir. No change.

 

[clyder]

I thought the alternator etc would be a different sound too. This is definitely a whine.

 

[clyder]

Just figure out where the noise is from or go see a mechanic.

You've had enough feedback to put you in the right direction. It's not that complicated!

Hmmm, sorry this is bothering you.

 

[Caraman99]

Hmmm, sorry this is bothering you.

My apologies clyder,

I see now that you're actually really chasing down a hard to find noise, I didn't mean to offend.
The "hose to the ear" always helps me to quickly find the source, but I see now you got a stethoscope.

You could always remove the belt to be sure it's an accessory making the noise.
With the belt off you can check accessory bearings for problems.

 

[slantback66]

10 years ago, it would have been the girls basketball team players in the back seats.

 

[clyder]

Update

My apologies clyder,

I see now that you're actually really chasing down a hard to find noise, I didn't mean to offend.
The "hose to the ear" always helps me to quickly find the source, but I see now you got a stethoscope.

You could always remove the belt to be sure it's an accessory making the noise.
With the belt off you can check accessory bearings for problems.

No biggie.
With the stethoscope I am fairly sure it is the pump making the noise. You can hear a slight change in the whine when moving the wheel with the scope.

 

[katoranger]

The posts suggesting it may be the alternator or a pulley sound plausible. But I would think it's more of a "chirping" sound instead of a "whine"???

I have had the chirp also. Before my alternator quit charging I had a whine for about a year. After I replaced the alternator the whine was gone.

 

[Caraman99]

No biggie.
With the stethoscope I am fairly sure it is the pump making the noise. You can hear a slight change in the whine when moving the wheel with the scope.

Now that you've narrowed it down a bit, two things I would do before condemning the pump:

1. Raise the front end off the ground and cycle the steering back and forth with engine off to eliminate the possibility of binding in the steering gear, strut bearings or ball joints overworking the pump. (I have heard of steering gear seizing)

2. Flush the system to eliminate possible moisture contamination (foaming) or incorrect fluid. Who knows what someone may have accidentally put in it? (Coolant maybe? You never know)

The most common failures are usually seal leaks.

(BTW clyder, thanks, I need a thumbs down once in a while)